Vegetarian and vegan diets are safe for everyone — even pregnant women and babies

By Sam Downing| 2 years ago

“These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle."

A plant-based diet is a healthy option for everyone, including babies and pregnant women — provided you carefully plan to ensure you’re hitting your nutrient targets.

That’s the opinion of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the world’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals, which has come out swinging for vegetarian and vegan diets in its new position statement.

“These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes,” says the statement, co-authored by three dietitians.

An Academy spokesperson pointed out that potential for deficiency is not unique to a plant-based diet — and that these diets can be just as unhealthy as any other. (Vegan junk food is still junk food, after all.)

"Any diet that is not well planned and balanced can have negative side effects," Vandana Sheth told Reuters.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) echoes the Academy’s recommendation, advising “a healthy vegetarian diet requires careful planning to make sure it is well balanced and includes a wide variety of foods to meet nutritional needs.”

The DAA’s site offers this handy guide for vegans and vegetarians, while Better Health Channel has tips for expectant and new mothers and young children. (The most important tip: see a health professional before you turn to plant-based diets.)